Maize Revolution and Production in India

Context (IE)

Over the past twenty years, maize production in India has seen a remarkable increase, transforming it into a green revolution driven by the private sector. Production has surged from 11.5 million tonnes in 2000 to over 35 million tonnes in 2024, with yields rising from 1.8 tonnes to 3.3 tonnes per hectare.

Maize

• Crop Type: Maize is a rainfed kharif crop, ideal for semi-arid regions where cultivating rice and wheat is impractical.
• Rainfall Requirements: Maize thrives with no more than 100 cm of rainfall.
• Temperature Range: Optimal growth occurs between 21°C and 27°C.
• Soil Preferences: Best grown in old alluvial and well-drained fertile loams, rich in nitrogen and free from coarse materials.
• Major Producing States in India: Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Leading Producing Countries: USA, China, and Brazil.
• India’s Ranking: India is the fifth-largest producer of maize globally.

Recent Developments

Development of Waxy Maize Hybrid

• High-Yield Variety: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed a maize variety yielding 7.3 tonnes per hectare, with a high amylopectin starch content (93.9%).
• Benefits:
  • Increased ethanol production due to higher recoverable starch.
  • Enhanced grain softness and better grinding efficiency due to high amylopectin content.

CIMMYT’s Double Haploid Facility

• Genetic Purity: Produces genetically pure inbred maize lines with high yields.
• Breeding Efficiency: Improves maize breeding by creating uniform lines that are drought, heat, and waterlogging tolerant, efficient in nutrient use, and resistant to pests and diseases.

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)

• Overview: Established in 1905 in New Delhi by the British government, IARI is a premier agricultural research and education institution in India.
• Nickname: Known as the “Pusa Institute” and regarded as the “Mother of All Agricultural Institutions” in India.

Maize (Corn) Ethanol: A Sustainable Option

• Renewable Biofuel: Maize ethanol is produced from corn and serves as a substitute for gasoline in vehicles.
• Production Process: Involves fermenting corn starch into ethanol, followed by distillation and blending with gasoline.

Advantages of Maize Ethanol

• Renewability: Offers a long-term solution compared to fossil fuels.
• Reduced Emissions: Absorption of carbon dioxide during maize growth can lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Energy Security: Utilization of maize stover minimizes waste and promotes domestic biofuel production.
• Rural Development: Increased maize demand can boost farmer income and support rural growth.
• Research and Development: High-starch varieties and efficient production processes can further enhance sustainability.

Role of the Private Sector in the Maize Revolution

• High-Yielding Hybrids: Companies like Mahyco (Dekalb brand) and Nuziveedu Seeds invest in developing hybrids with significantly higher yields.
• Distribution Networks: Companies such as Kaveri Seeds ensure farmers have access to high-quality maize through extensive distribution networks.
• Farmer Education: Rasi Seeds and others conduct training programs to teach best practices for maize cultivation.
• Technology Adoption: Firms like Shriram Bioseed use Doubled Haploid (DH) technology to accelerate the development of improved hybrids.
• Cost Efficiency: Companies like Indo-American Hybrid Seeds implement cost-effective solutions, making advanced maize seeds more affordable.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Many private companies collaborate with institutions like IARI to leverage research advancements.

Government Initiatives

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme: Ensures a minimum price for maize, providing income security for farmers.
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes crop diversification, encouraging maize cultivation.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Expands irrigation facilities to improve water availability for maize.
• Seed and Fertilizer Subsidies: Supports the purchase of certified maize seeds and fertilizers through targeted subsidies.
• Kisan Credit Card Scheme: Provides easy access to credit at concessional interest rates for farmers.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Offers crop insurance against natural calamities, including for maize.
• Biofuel Policies: Promote maize as a feedstock for biofuel production, aligning with renewable energy goals.
• High-Starch Varieties: Supported by government initiatives, research on “waxy” maize varieties with higher starch content is optimized for ethanol production.

Challenges in Maize Production

• Droughts and Erratic Rainfall: Water-intensive maize suffers during droughts, as seen in Maharashtra’s 2019 drought.
• Extreme Temperatures: Heatwaves can stress maize plants, reducing pollination and yields.
• Water Distribution: Uneven water availability limits maize cultivation in regions like Rajasthan.
• Irrigation Efficiency: Traditional irrigation methods waste water, while modern technologies like sprinklers are underutilized.
• Pests: Fall Armyworm has damaged crops nationwide since 2018, with severe infestations in Karnataka in 2022.
• Diseases: Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease outbreaks, like the one in Andhra Pradesh in 2020, threaten crops.
• Fertilizer Costs: Rising prices strain small farmers financially.
• Price Fluctuations: Sudden price drops deter farmers from planting maize.
• Storage Facilities: Lack of proper storage leads to losses from spoilage and infestation, discouraging maize cultivation.